Gulfstream: Closer Looks for January 11, 2014

Race 2

Revolutionary

Obviously he's the class of the race, a millionaire, graded stakes winner; but that said, some things to ponder before you take a short price on him; this is a horse that has a history of breaking poorly and now on the fence, another tardy beginning would not surprise; that said, Pletcher's comebackers consistently perform well at GP, and this is not a stellar field and some scratches appear likely.

Reveron

Hard to get motivated about this one given his 2013 form; he hasn't looked like the horse he was earlier in his career; those taking a half-full view may theorize that he needed those comeback starts to regain fitness; comes off a bullet work, but he has long been a fast worker in the mornings.

Honorable Dillon

Won the G2 Hutcheson over this track in Feb. of last year and then had a pretty quiet year, aside from winning an allowance over 4 rivals; comeback was solid, a second at Aqueduct in which the third-place horse returned to win; this one is running a furlong longer than his most proven-distance of seven eighths but certainly has the pedigree to get a mile; main threat to Revolutionary.

My Adonis

Seems likely to be scratched; he was entered as a main track only for a race Thursday and went in there when the race came off the turf; regardless, this is a horse that has not run better than fourth in five starts sine winning the Lone Branch in the summer of 2012.

Silver Menace

Doesn't look up to this standard; his allowance wins last year came at Pimlico and Charles Town - tracks a cut below GP; to his credit, he did run third in the slop at CT in a stake and was fourth in a stakes-quality allowance Nov. 24 here; runs well fresh; perhaps a minor award.

Viramundo

Turned in a much improved race for Wolfson, rallying to be third in an optional claimer; typically the horses he gets from Silverton get steadily better after he begins training them; reluctant to get too high on him, though, considering his lack of speed and career-best 75 Beyer.

Falling Sky

Was ambitiously placed by his former connections in the Kentucky Derby and after chasing a fast pace, he crossed the wire 53 lengths back and then was sidelined; comeback for Weaver wasn't good, but this one stumbled at the start, and for a speed horse like him, that can ruin a horse's chances; proven on this track and a classy runner with speed; contender. - Byron King

Race 3

Bowman's Causeway

This race doesn't figure to come up soft if it has to be taken off the turf, but there will be a number of scratches, and this veteran has run well enough in his eight starts over dirt to merit contender status.

Calm Pacific

Lightly raced 4-year-old was last seen earning a stakes placing and he finished right behind one of today's key rivals in North Slope; he has the look of a top contender while going out for a sharp turf barn; Castellano has won with 3 of 10 mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Starship Zorro

He's done some decent work racing over turf in his career but his best effort doesn't appear to be up to the level of the top contenders in this spot; runner-up from latest returned to win next out here on 11/30 going 1 1/16m vs. 62k OPC's with a 76 Beyer.

North Slope

Grade 3 stakes placed gelding had a fine 2013 and he commands respect as a contender as he gets ready for his first start of 2014; this is a strong turf barn that can have one ready to run well fresh, and his best effort makes him a legitimate threat to walk away with the top prize.

Bi Flash

Although he was last seen recording a performance that was below par for him, his overall turf form has been very consistent, but it does look like he's going to need to see a few of these show up with less than their best to have a chance at something more than a minor award.

O'Prado Ole

This colt has a nice pedigree for turf and like to see what he did in recording back-to-back victories when returned from a layoff in early September; however, he looks like another who is going to have to be ready to take his game to another level to get the job done; winner from latest returned to win next out here on 12/22 going 1 1/16m in a 100k stakes with a 104 Beyer.

Charming Kitten

He's a stakes winner racing over this turf course, and his best effort is clearly good enough to make him a threat for the top spot, but it is a little bit interesting to see him testing out blinkers for this; a little concerned by the equipment change for him, but have to respect him as a top contender regardless.

Bradester

The next time this Grade 2 stakes placed colt runs a bad race will be the first time, and if this race has to be taken off the turf, he might find himself sitting an ideal trip behind the early speed of Padilla; it looks like he's been training very well in preparation for his first start of 2014.

Master Achievement

Respect the early speed that he brings with him, and he did run some nice races over turf as a 3-year-old, but he must step it up over what he showed us in his six starts as a 4-year-old in order to prove to be a player in this spot.

Pick of the Litter

He's Grade 3 stakes placed racing over the synthetic surface at Keeneland, and not only has he run well over dirt, but he earned a career best Beyer Speed Figure in breaking his maiden over the main track here.

One More Cat

His form took a noticeable turn for the better when placed over turf last year, and when taking into account his most recent workout, he might be ready to get back on top of his game while making his first start as a 4-year-old.

Draw Two

Although he's only made six starts to this point in his career, they've all been quality ones, and feel that he's a very interesting option to consider in this spot while making his first start for the Motion barn; note the success this barn has had when returning horses from a long layoff like this.

Padilla

This colt can prove to be the dominant early speed if this race gets taken off the turf, but he's yet to run a race that is strong enough to suggest that he can get the better of the top contenders in here; viewing him as being an early pace factor only.

Otto The Great (GB)

Maybe getting back over turf can prove to be a positive for this gelding, but this has to be considered a very tough assignment for him; not going to be surprised if he's involved in the running early on, but looking for others to have more to offer through the lane. - Brian Pochman

Race 4

Hartford

Sire gets 12% first out winners and the SP dam's 2 wins came routing prior to dropping 2 winners including G1 SW and 502K earner Dance Card, this guy's full sister; 700K yearling buy boasts some solid recent Palm Meadows moves and the barn excels right out of the box, but this guy draws the rail and note that the outfit's top pilot ends up on their other newcomer in here.

Juba

Gelding earned a big number when third first time out in New York and he's been given 6 weeks off to recover from the effort; he'll get Lasix for the initial time here and he's working like he's ready to get back to work; dam has dropped several multiple winners including G2 SW sprinter and 423K earner Saint Anddan so expect this guy will move forward quickly; contender.

Greyfell

Cuts back a panel in his return from the break for a barn that hits at a big clip with its fresh runners; love the way he's been working here for his second crack on dirt and maybe that means he's over the slow breaking habits hat left him with work to do late in each of his 2 starts in Kentucky; price should be solid to give him a good look.

Smart Spree

Canadian bred makes his local debut off a few moderate Pal Meadows breezes for an outfit that hasn't started a lot of newcomers of late; sire gets 14% winners from his first out runners and the dam won twice (1 sprint) prior to dropping winners from each of her 2 foals to race including G2 SP, 234K earner Occasional View who won 4 sprints.

Ulanbator

Got off to a rough start at this trip in his Churchill debut but he was doing some nice running late in that one; colt goes for a barn that does much better work with its runners who have had a race than with debuters and his breeze last week was solid; with a better beginning he's capable of getting in the mix here.

Constitution

Sire gets 12% first out winners from his offspring and he's the first foal to race out of a limited route winning dam; barn fires right out of the box and their top available pilot takes the call; several of the Palm Meadows drills suggest this 400K yearling buy can run some.

Alpha Roadster

He's been working quite well here for his return from the freshening off a sharp debut placing at Churchill in the fall; colt is kin to a 5 time sprint winner and this barn does hit at a nice clip with its second out runners; his speed should have him involved from the bell and that makes him a big threat.

Indy's Legacy

Sire gets 11% debut winners from his runners and the dam won 4 times (2 sprints) and 129K prior to dropping 6 winners, 4 of whom banked 6 figures including G1 SP, G2 SW and 929K earner Coal Coal Man; drills don't offer many clues, but the barn is certainly capable of firing right out of the box.

River Pride

He's run 4 times in South Florida and has hit the board in each of those tries; gelding did encounter trouble over a wet track in his last and caught a runaway winner when second at the trip 2 back; he does have some ability, but a minor award looks to be his ceiling.

Athens

Barn has been going better of late with its debut runners and they bring a 550K yearling buy to the table here; sire gets 10% first out winners from his offspring and the dam was a 2 time sprint winner prior to dropping 6 winners including G1 SP sprinter and 845K earner Pomeroy.

Endowment Manager

He's been runner up in 4 of his 5 starts including the beaten chalk effort in his local debut last month; colt broke last of the big pack in that one and did well to recover and quickly make the lead before understandable tiring while holding second money by a significant margin; he owns the best dirt numbers on the bunch and the move outside should help him early; one to beat.

Professor Pegasus

Sire gets 14% debut winners from his offspring and the G3 SP, SW dam banked 271K while earning each of her 5 wins either routing or on the lawn; she's kin to 4 winners including G2 SW and 509K earner Juanita; barn isn't known for its work with newcomers and has been on a poor run of late with this type. - Steve Grabowski

Race 5

Polished Degree

Deceptive last run over the turf when having to deal with a very demanding post position; he makes only his second attempt at the claiming level and can hit the board with comfortable inside trip.

Runkle

Claimed consecutively, this gelding can return some dividends here if he can break more alertly today; unleashed a decent middle move when losing to Donegal Hall last time out and draws the same favorable slot this afternoon.

War Artist

Down a notch after retiring early in his grass debut; his sire was a G3 victor who banked 447K while the dam involved was unraced; there are no winning siblings to report; note expert trainer at the helm.

Browns Gap

Makes the always dangerous first visit to the claiming universe; he attended the pace briefly a month ago, first effort around 2 turns; may be able to handle this turnback as the latest half-mile breeze was way above average.

Street Chief

Yet another first time visitor to the claiming ranks to consider; his sire won the Kentucky Derby and 4.38 million; the dam won 1 of 26 and 32K; winning siblings include 210K earner Allicansayis; note improvement to the latest a.m. move.

Monteamira

Chased a rapid pace until the half-way point in his last run; needs to be attending slower fractions here in order to have any realistic chance; the race 2 back is of interest where he rallied strong despite all kinds of trouble throughout.

City Squire

Beginner was sired by G1 pure sprinter City Zip who captured 818K and whose progeny have won 83 out of 540 debuts; the dam never raced; among the winning siblings is 367K earner Carrots Only.

Broadway Zen

Has flashed only brief speed up to now and is unlikely to show more staying power against this lot with an additional 4 pounds to carry; most recent half-mile breeze was average and a sudden turnaround just does not seem in the cards.

I Want More Candy

Firster hails from G1 sprinter More Than Ready who garnered 1.02 million (his descendants have scored in 86 out of 686 initial starts); the dam was unraced; this is her only foal to make it to the starting gate.

Donegal Hall

Game to capture the place in his local debut 3 weeks ago; outside post today may not pose a major problem as he is a stalking type who can secure ideal position here; legitimate money chances once again. - Jim Kachulis

Race 6

Flat in Charge

Sire wins with approximately 7% of his turf starters and dam won 10 of 25 starts for 150k, including 0-for-2 over turf; turf is a question and his complete lack of early speed is a major concern.

Blarp

Sire wins with approximately 21% of his turf starters and dam was unraced; this colt is a 1/2 to multiple graded stakes winner Newsdad (5-21, 498k, including 3 of 15 turf starts for 323k); feel that this colt has every right to be ready for better with a move to turf at second asking.

Perky Kitten

He's a nose shy of being a stakes winner over turf and he figures to appreciate getting back over turf after staying in an off-the-turf event in his latest outing; Leparoux has won with 5 of 12 (42%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting.

Downtownleroybrown

Sire wins with approximately 14% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a dam who won 5 of 40 starts for 71k, including 0-for-5 over turf; he showed fine early speed in his career debut and perhaps the move to turf can help him along.

Blast Away

He wasn't able to get much going in his career debut but he's eligible to be ready for better at second asking with the addition of Lasix; he's out of a multiple graded stakes placed dam who won 4 of 14 starts for 203k, no turf starts, and he's a 1/2 to G3 winner Defer (4-18, 260k, including 2 of 11 turf starts for 136k).

Notability

Sire wins with approximately 16% of his turf starters and G1 winning dam won 3 of 11 starts for 327k, including 0-for-1 over turf; this colt is a full to Kissmeimdanish (2-6, 33k over turf); he has some turf in his pedigree and he's already shown ability racing over dirt.

Double Whammy

He was well backed in his career debut and he goes out for a barn that has a history of having horses ready for better the second time around with the addition of Lasix; 535k purchase has a live look to him with Castellano getting the call.

Majestic Sunset

He ran well in a tough spot in his turf debut two starts ago and he recorded a stakes placing with an improved performance in his first start wearing blinkers in his latest outing; his recent workouts look strong and Rosario takes the call.

Can'thelpbelieving (IRE)

He's yet another in here who can be viewed in a favorable light, and not only was his first start in America a good one, but the addition of Lasix and blinkers helps give him a little extra appeal in this spot; he can't be counted out of it in what looks like a very strong maiden event.

Caspian Sea

Sire wins with approximately 15% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a G3 winning dam who won 6 of 20 starts for 506k, including 5 of 14 turf starts for 375k; he can improve with a move to turf and they were looking to get him over turf at first asking.

Smooth Daddy

One of two signed on in here for the Albertrani barn and this colt has seen his form improve with the addition of blinkers two starts back; he's in a tough spot today, but he commands some respect based on what he's shown in his two most recent races.

Maddy Bird

Sire wins with approximately 13% of his turf starters and this is the first foal from a dam who won once from 11 starts for 76k, including 1 of 5 turf starts for 45k; this looks like a tough spot for his first turf start and the outside post doesn't help.

Big Guy Ian

This race figures to change drastically if it has to be taken off the turf and the edge will likely have to be given to Notability if this race gets moved to the main track; regardless, this wouldn't be a bad spot for this colt to get to make his second career start.

This Guy Is Blue

He's had a few turf starts to show us what he can do and it looks like he's going to need to find a way to step up his game in a noticeable way in order to have a say in the outcome against this tough bunch of maidens.

Global Strike

An extreme outside post awaits in the event that he draws in, but have to respect what he showed us in his career debut when finishing third while earning a solid Beyer Speed Figure against 12 rivals; Castellano has won with 13 of 44 (30%) mounts for this barn at the current meeting. - Brian Pochman

Race 7

Storm Warnings

Trainer Handy has been winning races for decades; the local record leaves much to be desired though and he can lose contact at times; note runner did improve on the Beyer scale in the last 2 second off the layoff runs; needs very best.

Elnaawi

Colt has been given time since the mid-pack run in the Gotham; best with pace to run at and there doesn't seem to be a ton of speed in this cast; it's easy to see why connections have been patient as this runner is a half brother to Grade 1 winner and over $1.7 million earner To Honor and Serve; drills super, respect.

Fast Falcon

Veteran ran his eyeballs out in defeat in his last return effort; one for 19 is a tough number to bet into no matter how you slice it; pushed into the Donn last year and has not been all that sharp since; has to hurry.

Beer Garden

This is a confident move as he double jumps off the claim; runner has handled any kind of going and this rider has had success for this barn; capable barn has been firing with his barn and this guy does have tactical speed; interesting.

Chee

Hung wide in last, would not be shocked if this guy is sent hard today; Saez got a chance to figure him out and like the series of drills since the comeback effort; runner has a right to get the trip as a sibling won at a mile on grass; must be left in the mix.

Playing a Joke

Nothing wrong with hitting the exacta in 18 of 30; 4 of the 12 wins have been local but he has shown a tendency to lose contact at times; this rider was up for the last victory; things need to break just right.

Doherty

Freshened since failing in the stakes; love the spacing of the drills coming to this race and the fact he ran well in his debut gives him a shot to fire fresh; 4th finisher in last took an N1X next out and the place horse took a $107K stakes at Monmouth; the winner was also 2nd next out in the Grade 1 Haskell; considering he is fresh, would not be shocked if he is at the muscle from the sound of the bell; respect.

Tarpy's Surprise

Troubled in his first 2 starts, maybe he just wanted to go long all the time; he has trained solidly since getting to Florida and runner has more speed than he just flashed; he may need a race to bring the A game.

Tiz Bobby

Pinballed on the gate but this guy has been trouble prone; in his 3 wins he beat a total of 12 horses; he has the race over the surface, but it's hard to see if he got anything out of the last race; would be careful here.

Miraculousmo

Connections thought enough of him to try the Grade 1 after the maiden breaker; it may have zapped him; he has to prove he can go long but kin Jiddy won routing 5 times; proven off the layoff; needs very best.

Secretive

The beaten chalk in half of his starts, runner has been given time to recoup from the maiden breaker; the 10/20 winner clicked right back in a $25K optional with a 76 Beyer; he has worked cleverly in Florida and boasts the best of 23 bullet last Saturday; don't sell too short. - Brian Mulligan

Race 8

Super Sky

52 days since tiring at a much longer distance; helps that her trainer wins 27% with similar-fresh starters since 2013; lone win was on a synthetic surface; was favored in her last 2 losses; the win distance at 7F when stalking the pace makes today's distance appear like a very-good fit; saves ground then makes 1 run.

Miss Arrangement

Sire is 48-for-513 with 1st-turf starters; dam finished 8th in her only grass start; 1 of 2 foals to race on North American turf is a lawn winner (stakes-placed Liquidity Trap 4-for-11 grass 143K); debut victory with plenty of upside now in for a 24%-winning 1st-turf trainer.

Lady Paradime

Sire is 0-for-4 with 1st-turf starters; is the 1st foal out of a 1-for-18 grass dam (43K); 101 days since graduating as much the best stumbling at the start spotting the field 10 lengths at the 1st call then rallying past them all; December 19 turf workout suggests she will like this new surface.

Solitary

Sloppy-track debut romp is a field-best Beyer at 3F shorter than today's event; her only grass start back in August was a stakes loss when favored a good-closing attempt chasing the winner who repeated in a CRC-81K event with a 52 Beyer; the way she rallied in last today's 7.5F distance seems to be a good distance fit.

Market Magic

The Hall of Fame trainer almost never wins with 1sters which makes her debut win 57 days ago look even that more impressive; high-percentage jockey-trainer combo and repeat barn with tons of upside for start 2; has been working like she will fire another strong one.

Inner Goddess

Projects to race on or near the lead with Macaroon while stretching out to her longest-distance ever; sire is 1-for-3 with 1st-turf starters; is out of an 0-for-4 grass dam (8K); 1 of 2 foals to race on turf is lawn winner (1-for-1 Brave Deck 36K grass); know her early then hopes to hang on late.

Spring Likeacobra

3 of her 4 races are stakes losses while today is in a race where she can be claimed from; the trainer began the GP winter meet sizzling; her graduation win was over a less-than-firm turf course beating the runner-up finisher who Beyered 61 in a next-out WO-MSW win.

Morethanawarning

76 days since another stakes loss racing for a trainer 0-for the last-14 with similar-layoff runners; she should appreciate the class relief for this; late runner has not raced this short since rallying strongly in her career debut noting the graduation was over a less-than-firm turf course if she gets that type of grass course it would move her up.

Danalin

Often runners leaving the Pletcher barn do not have great success but she ran well in defeat when defeated by Room Serice; appears that cutting back a half furlong adds to the appeal for a 41%-winnning route-to-sprint trainer.

Marnesia Wild Heir

Doing the rain dance noting her wet-main track victory; did not fire in either grass defeat the latest when checking in behind similar rivals while facing winners for the 1st time; seems to be shooting high again although latest dirt-4F breeze was good suggesting she would prefer the main track.

Macaroon

34%-winning 1st-Lasix trainer adds to the appeal off the 76-day layoff; when last seen was on the lead crushing maidens and likes to be in front; has to fend off Inner Goddess to make an easy lead here; the 3-back runner-up finisher captured a SAR-100K stakes next out with an 81 Beyer.

Maco Light

Sire is 3-for-107 with 1st-turf starters; is out of a 1-for-1 grass dam; her only other foal to race 2-0-0-0 Red Moon Rising who did not attempt turf; posted a career-low Beyer in her only dirt start when no match for Lil Honey Badger; not a good sign that latest dull effort 41 days ago was also the 1st start for the newest trainer.

Lil Honey Badger

Best game is on the lead but did not make the front in last when fading badly 6 weeks ago; Main Track Only entry won her career debut on the main track defeating the runner-up finisher who Beyered 68 in her next-out IND-MSW victory.

Room Service

Owns an improving-Beyer pattern however she could not get up in time at longer off the 48-day rest so some issues if she will be able to outkick these in deep stretch from a wide-ground losing post; steady worktab on display off 3-solid races; a major exotics player if in off the also eligible list.

Ten Easy Street

Mild rally 1st time in the new barn while her win was on the lead 2-back defeating the runner-up finisher who Beyered 66 in a KD-MSW next-out graduation; has plenty to prove against this same bunch 2nd time back off the 102-day layoff.

Elle Starlight

Saved best for the turf-debut win; 65 days since her late-running victory overcoming a bumped start to score; worked very well on dirt for this and earned an exacta on a wet-main track; can she win right off the bench and cutting back 1F are the main issues. - Art Gropper

Race 9

Tetradrachm

Draws the fence for his local course debut after getting beaten just a length as the chalk in the crosstown stake; he'll cut back to the trip of his solid figure score 4 back at Saratoga and maybe the heavy course was just too much for him to handle subsequently in the G2 Baruch there; lack of lick in here should be to his benefit if they hustle him from the bell; giving him the nod to get there on top.

Howe Great

Five year old often picks up a share in the stakes ranks and he'll enter this one fresh; he loves the local sod, but his lone loss here came off the break in his first start of last season; while he's certainly shown ability his use is probably best limited to underneath in exotics.

Hierro

Five year old ran out of ground in his turf debut in New York in the fall and he took to the stretchout to 2 turns here last month; he'll get an extra half panel for this but he'll also catch a field full of surface specialists; nice to see Castellano stick for a top barn, but this guy will need to keep improving to have a say in the outcome today.

Csaba

MTO has gotten back on track since shipping back down here in the fall and he exits a pretty sharp placing in his local return; 5 year old has early foot and that should provide him with a big edge if this were to be moved to the main track; 3 time wet track winner looms the one to down if the rains come.

Suns Out Guns Out

MTO will cut back off a couple of longer efforts if he gets to the gate in this spot; he's yet to win over a wet track and is also winless over the local strip; don't know how well he fits in the stakes ranks, but the field will certainly be watered down some if this one gets moved off the lawn.

Summer Front

Just missed when shipped out to California for his last and now he'll return to a course over which he's won; he's a late runner and there doesn't appear to be much lick signed on for this one so that could cause him some trouble, but he's overcome negative scenarios in the past; contender.

Nikki's Sandcastle

Three time local winner worked a sharp half mile here on New Year's Day for his return from the layoff; gelding hadn't been going too well last year prior to pulling off the upset in the synthetic G2 Fayette at Keeneland; maybe the return to this sod helps and he wasn't beaten much in this heat last year.

Slumber (GB)

Six year old took on some of the better long distance turfers in the fall and did hold his own in the G1 Turf Classic in New York before catching a heavy course in Canada; he certainly packs a nice punch when right and he'll lure a top surface pilot, but this trip may be a little too short to expect his best.

Mucho Mas Macho

Heat's defending champ has hit the skids since taking that heat last year and he was given a little time off since moving forward at a longer trip last out in Maryland; late runner did earn his upset victory in this heat fresh but don't think he's gonna be set to step with these .

Utley

Outside drawn 6 year old was making up ground over a heavy course as the wire approached in his local return; he'll step into the graded stakes ranks here and though he does pack a decent kick at times, this level may prove to be a little too much for him to handle; looking elsewhere for the winner. - Steve Grabowski

Race 10

Simmstown

Like to see that he's two-for-two at today's distance racing over dirt and he enters this race off of a sharp winning performance sprinting at Calder; he's run well over the main track here in the past, and even though he's stepping up in class for this, going to look for him to be ready to run a good one.

Csaba

Multiple graded stakes winner has won 11 of 26 career starts and he's been on top of his game lately while recording a couple of victories and a fine runner-up finish behind the razor sharp River Seven; he owns excellent positional speed and going to look for him to be involved in the running every step of the way.

Strike One

He had a solid year in 2013 while winning half of his six starts, but he is stepping up to meet graded stakes competition for the first time, and it will take a career best effort if he's to prove to be the one in this spot.

Jackson Bend

Multiple Grade 1 to the winner boasts $1.7 million in earnings, and he also sports the best last race Beyer Speed Figure in this field; don't like to see that you have to go back to April 2012 to find his latest victory, but he has to be respected as a top contender with Castellano aboard.

Nikki's Sandcastle

Not that his dirt form has been bad, but feel that he is at his best racing over turf or a synthetic surface, and this is a tough bunch for him to be getting back over dirt against; prefer to give the nod to others.

Lea

Grade 3 winner seems to be capable of running his race over any surface and he didn't disgrace himself when finishing behind one of today's key rivals in Jackson Bend over a sloppy surface at Saratoga two starts ago; that said, feel that a minor award is probably the ceiling.

Neck 'n Neck

A case can be made for this multiple graded stakes winner being at his best racing over the main track at Churchill Downs, and he must improve over what he's shown in his four starts over this surface in order to have a say in the outcome.

Goodtimehadbyall

A few of his recent dirt starts have been sharp winning performances, and it doesn't hurt to see that he earned a career best Beyer Speed Figure in his latest outing while making his first start over the main track here; third place finisher from latest returned to win next out at Crc on 1/5 going 5 1/2f vs. 10k OPC's with a 91 Beyer.

Uncaptured

He carries multiple graded stakes winning credentials with him and he was last seen earning a career best Beyer Speed Figure; however, he will need to produce the race of his life if he's to get over on the top contenders in this spot; respect the presence of Rosario, but leaning toward others.

Purple Egg

Multiple stakes winner was a sharp winner two races ago at Delaware Park, but he only got the better of four rivals in that race, and he's going to have to produce an even sharper performance than that one to have a say in the outcome against these. - Brian Pochman

Race 11

Piceance

Colt caught the fast splits last time and could not keep up; at least he has won locally but note he was handled by Lightning here last year; 7th finisher in last took a $30K N2L fray and the winner repeated in a $62.5K optional; best when put into the race early but can't see him clearing here; still must be left in the exotic conversation.

Dr. Chase

The Dr. overcame the rough trip for the last win but has not been sharp since; 11/16 winner took a Grade 3 in next, then was 2nd in a $100K stakes; hard to boost off the last fiasco.

Big John B

Proven on the course in a similar spot as he's under the purchase price today; this rider was up for a couple of the wins at the shore last year; like fact she can win close up or come from pretty far off the pace; respect these connections.

Red Vine

Colt has fired every time; he's run well at a number of different venues including the tight course at Del Mar; 4th finisher in last took a $35K optional next out, 6th finisher was 2nd a head in an N1X and the 8th finisher beat N1X rivals; this guy looks live.

Secret Bid

Educated in the sprint debut, he took to the grass right away and then was hung wide from slot 11; he's trained steadily since showing up in Florida for barn that has been popping; the upside is huge as this runner is kin to multiple Grade 1 winner and over $650K earner Smuggler.

Twigazuri Strait

Only one poor race vs. winners and that was at a mile and a half; if you figure he just needed the last then you can make a case for a move forward; pushed along in last, runner may be best served settling and making the one run as he did in both of the wins; must be left in the hopper.

Sinorice

Toss last, he was probably just over his head; 3 times as many slices as wins makes him a tough on top only ticket to adore; all out for the last win and it was in the small field; in light here, needs very best.

Cytherean

Gelding beat this priced rival in conditioned claiming land; off poorly in last and he just never recovered; winner of the Meadowlands finale cashed right back in a $16K Tampa starter; may need softer to shine.

Ampersand

Empire-bred may need own kind; shades on but runner has limited speed; place horse in last cashed next out in a $35K optional here last Sunday; love the spacing of these drills; respect these connections.

Alicantino

Maybe gelding was just a tad short in last; he has more speed than he just flashed and Bocachica got a chance to figure him out; last win in a claimer came against foes for half this price; barn is rolling though, still not sure he will be able to carry his speed all the way to the wire.

Stallwalkin' Dude

Gelding had adim at the top of the lane, could not carry on with the momentum; he has to prove he can go this far on grass and although he has some semblance of speed, it's hard to see him making the top easy; passing.

Pirate's Pleasure

Wonder if connections had this race in mind all the time; he showed solid California speed in the lone win, was kind of lost on the tricky hillside course at Anita and was only a brief threat in last; the blood is there for this guy to thrive as he is kin to over $1.5 million turf earner Strut the Stage; surprise package.

United States Won

Runner nearly overcame the rough trip in the 10/25 race; he has a shot to get the trip as kin Sandy Key Gal took a turf route and Bravo got a heads up as to his style; look for pilot to send and try to steal it.

Kid Lightning

Troubled in 3 of 4 and he caught the slop in the other effort; he has showed the ability to flash speed or settle and mow them down; and he has a right to grow into his skin as kin to Grade 1 winner and millionaire Stevie Wonderboy.

Plenty Elusive

In good hands, he has the two races to draw from now and he can give up a :44 and change half when in the mood; note show horse was clear for fun last time; best of 49 bullet in the holster; a legit player if the race comes off the grass. - Brian Mulligan